NewbornGuideNicole Olinger Photography

The first few days of a baby's life are so magical!

Let me Capture these moments and create art for you to cherish for years to come.

In this guide I will give you some great information on how the parents can help to ensure a successful newborn session.

I will also give you a glimpse into what an experience with Nicole Olinger Photography looks like.

It is important to book your newborn session early.

Booking your shoot early gives me time to create a custom session for you. I suggest booking at least three months prior to your due date.

Put me on your call list!

You know, that list that you make of whom to call first when baby arrives?

Well, I don't expect to be number one on your list. Grandma and Grandpa may not appreciate that. Just make sure to keep my number handy and shoot me a message so I can pencil in a spot for your sweet new bundle.

Newborn sessions are scheduled between 3 and 12 days after baby's birthday. This is when they are the most squishy and sleepy.

Please set aside at least 4 hours for your session. Newborn sessions usually take anywhere from 2-4 hours in the studio. We are on baby's time.

Sessions take place in my studio located at 702 Grove St in Prophetstown, Illinois.

Safety First

Safety is my top priority.

I have a lot of experience with handling newborns and I take safety very seriously. I have taken several courses on newborn safety and posing and continue to educate in these areas. For this reason I may ask at times for certain poses that a parent keep a hand on baby just in case baby may startle.

It's getting hot in here

Babies love heat!

For this reason I keep the studio around 85 degrees. This keeps baby comfortable and calm. If we are not sweating then it is not warm enough for baby, so dress in layers.

A Full Baby

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A Sleepy Baby

we usually have the most success when baby is in a deep sleep.

To encourage this I highly recommend trying to keep baby awake for a couple of hours prior to your appointment. Try stimulating baby by giving them a warm bath.

Please make sure your little one has a full belly for the session. Make sure to feed baby just prior to leaving for your appointment. Feeding when you arrive may wake baby.

If baby is bottle feeding, please bring extra bottles and milk (formula or breastmilk). Babies work up quite the appetite being constantly moved around. Also, Baby should be fed as much as possible in the 12 hrs prior to the session. This allows for baby to sleep as deeply as possible.

If breastfeeding, please try to refrain from eating spicy foods or anything that will cause gas and upset baby's belly for 24-48 hrs prior to your session.

Since we need a very sleepy and calm baby to achieve the images that we are looking for, I may ask that you veer from a specifically timed feeding schedule while in the studio. If baby is sleeping well we will let baby sleep until session is over. If baby is hungry and it is not time to feed yet baby should be feed early to ensure our best change at keeping baby content for the session. I would rather have you give baby an extra feeding than worry about missing out on cute poses because baby won't settle.

Bring a Pacifier-they can be very helpful during the session! Even if we only use it for the session it is a huge help and it will be used so little that it will not interrupt breastfeeding.

"What Should Baby Wear?"

No need to worry.

I got you!

I do ask that you bring baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on baby's skin and to avoid disturbing baby too much when getting undressed. A simple sleeper is best. Please avoid onsies or anything that has to be pulled off over baby's head if possible. Also, remove any bandages (from shots) prior to leaving home. When you arrive, please leave baby in the car carrier when bringing him/her into the studio. We will remove baby very slowly in the warm studio to avoid waking baby as much as possible.

Your baby may be photographed in his/her birthday suit for some of the session. I pay careful attention not to expose any "baby bits" in any photos.

Sit Back and Relax

This is a full service Studio

Meaning that I will be cleaning up any messes, and feeding baby when required during the session. If you are breastfeeding feel free to bring a bottle, or if you are exclusively breastfeeding then I will ask you to feed baby when necessary.

There will be plenty of downtime so sit back and relax. Take advantage of this time to rest up. Parents will often watch a movie, answer emails, or read while I work with their new little one. I have even had some parents take a nap! I may ask for some help with certain poses but there will be plenty of free time too.

Parent Portraits

I encourage parents to get in those portraits with the new baby.

A white or cream short sleeve shirt is suggested for Dads and a white or cream tank or blouse/top is suggested for Moms.

Moms, I strongly encourage you to have a portrait taken with your new baby while they are still so young and fresh. Baby will grow up and will want to know what his/her mother looked like holding him close to her heart as a newborn. Worst case scenario is that you don't like the image and you never have to look at it again, but at least your child will have this moment documented.

Sibling Portraits

Siblings are welcome.

If you have older siblings that you would like to have photographed with your newborn we do these shots first. Cream, Ivory, or White (without patterns or logos) is recommended for older siblings. Jeans and a simple neutral shirt or a dress for girls. They will most likely be barefoot so no need for clean shoes.

We ask that your spouse/partner take the older siblings home or out for something fun to do while we finish up the newborn shoot. A noisy studio can create an unsettled baby so we want to keep it as quiet as possible.

"Nicole was amazing during our newborn photo session! She was so patient and understanding. My newborn was very fussy but Nicole still got beautiful images from our session." ~Emily R.

"I could not be any happier with the work done by Nicole. I would definitely recommend her to anyone! Nicole is very particular and makes sure every shot is perfect." ~Kili B.

What to expect during your time with NOP.

The Consultation

We will meet either over the phone or in the studio, if you would like to come check it out and see my setup, props, and products ahead of time, to go over what you are most excited about getting from your newborn session.

We also discuss colors that fit well with your style and would look lovely while displayed in your home. This is a great time for us to get to know each other!

The Session

All you need to do is bring your little love in and relax!

That's right! I provide some drinks and snacks. And you can just sit back and watch as your little one gets his/her portraits.

(There may be times that I ask for assistance in sitting close to the baby to keep a hand on him/her while I get specific shots. This is done to keep baby safe.)

I provide all the wraps, props, and such so I only ask that you bring the necessities (wipes, diapers, formula or breast milk, etc.)

The Reveal

This is my favorite part!

This is where we meet up and you get to view the images of your new little bundle on a hand crafted slideshow. And..... I provide the drinks and snacks again!

I will also show you all the beautiful products that you are able to choose from. I will then help you decide what products work for you to display the beautiful images of your new baby.

A few of the lovely items I have are heirloom quality albums, image boxes that include 20 gorgeously mounted prints, and stunning canvases.

All ordering is completed at the reveal to remove all the stress off of you and you get your products as quick as possible.

It's the little things that count.

I can guarantee you that the service that NOP offers you is like no other in the area.

There are little surprises around every corner that will make this experience great.

You will leave wowed! You will love your time with me! And you will love your products that you and your family will cherish for generations to come.

Investment

The creative fee will be paid at the time the session is booked.

What does the creative fee cover?

Consultation- discuss colors that go well with your home decor, what kind of products you are looking to purchase, details about your customized shoot

Session- 2-4 hour in studio session with full use of backdrops, props and outfits

Creative editing time of images

Non-refundable retainer to hold your appointment

(The Creative Fee Does Not Cover Any Products or Digital Images. Those items are available to purchase at the Reveal.)